watchpoint
English
Etymology
From watch + point, on the model of breakpoint.
Noun
watchpoint (plural watchpoints)
- (programming) A debugging mechanism whereby execution is suspended every time a specified memory location is modified; or, any of various similar such mechanisms.
Usage notes
- Watchpoints are frequently called “data breakpoints” (or similar) and treated as a type of breakpoint; however, they are also frequently contrasted with breakpoints. In either case, the meaning of watchpoint is the same; the discrepancy is due to differing uses of the term breakpoint.